The Importance of Networking

Networking is very important both online and offline.

Marshall was recently interviewed by the Speaking Channel on this topic. Click here to view the video.


Read Marshall's article on networking here:
http://www.mbrownassociates.com/tunningintonetwork.html

What is your unique vision of yourself?

Each of us has goals in life. As a personal coach, I have been fortunate to help execs develop those goals into personal visions, unique for each individual.

Vision to me is when you create a future picture of yourself living a life filled with passion and accomplishment. Where do you see yourself going in the next year? What do you want to be doing, both personally and professionally?

When I say "vision," I'm not talking about New Year's resolutions. Where do you see yourself in December 2008? For some people, the goal is to develop a stronger personal relationship with someone. Perhaps you see yourself as more self-confident or self-assured. You might see your work as a calling, so it figures heavily in your personal vision. Your vision must align with what is really important to you because vision is what drives action! Every successful business ­ and individual ­ starts with a vision.

Read more here:
http://mbrownassociates.com/uniquevision.html

Top 10 Steps to Achieve SMART Goals

This is the time of year that a lot of people take time to reflect on a change they want (or need) to make. Some people call them resolutions…they are going to resolve to follow thru on the change(s). For me (and I must say a lot of my clients) that’s A LOT of pressure. I much rather would look at them as goals. Goals I want to achieve during the next year, not necessarily “resolve” them.

Making a SMART goal—Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-bound—is just the first step in making your goal a reality. It’s what you do after that can make or break your objective. Below are 10 essential steps to achieving your SMART goals.

1. Make sure your goal passes the SMART test. To the letter.

2. Align your goals with your values. Without values alignment, you are likely to struggle —if not fail—to implement them.

3. Share your goals with three to five key people to become more accountable. Don’t sabotage yourself: choose people who are supportive and positive.

4. Identify the resources you need to make your goal happen. For example, if your goal is to develop a website for your business, you’ll need to find a designer.

5. Identify ways to save time. Take only the short-cuts that can accelerate your progress and support your goal.

6. Detect potential obstacles. From poor work habits to limiting self-beliefs to too much on your plate—take action to clear these hurdles.

7. Pinpoint at least one daily action. The little things you do everyday are what propel you towards your goal.

8. Establish a support structure. Who or what can provide you with encouragement, advice, healthy feedback or a willing ear?

9. Identify rewards. A soak in the hot springs, a new outfit, dinner out. Little rewards along the way make achieving your goal more fun.

10. Identify an action you will take right now, after you finish this article. Do it.

Whether you personally call them goals (or resolutions), I wish you much success in achieving them. And if you have additional insights or ways you have successfully achieved your goals, let me know. I will be glad to share those with our readers.